New technology and unlikely players top a unique list of topics heard in a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

There has perhaps never been as large an issue for the Eastern Shore's agricultural industry than pending regulations on phosphorus output on crops and, by extension, the use of chicken manure as fertilizer.

One opponent of the bill testified that the Lower Shore "lacks the economic drivers" to survive the blow Senate Bill 257 could have on the region. With a state-funded economic study claiming it could cost the region between $22.5 million and $51.6 million, there was no lack of testimony that Shore farmers may need some state relief if these restrictions are enacted.

But others paint a dark picture of the health of the Chesapeake Bay if nothing goes into effect soon. Environmental advocates have continually pointed at agriculture on the Shore as one of the leading causes of nutrient pollution in the bay.

While political parties and interest groups are currently clashing over the issue, with Republican Gov. Larry Hogan proposing his own set of regulations to address the topic, there's more at stake than meets the eye.

Here are four things that came out of Tuesday's Senate hearing on the bill that you may not have known previously about a little nutrient with a big impact.

1. Regulation also affects wastewater treatment

A panel testifying on behalf of Maryland's wastewater treatment plants came out not only against the bill, but against Hogan's proposed regulations, as well.

An unlikely group in talks over the rules, the three argued recycling efforts by the state's wastewater treatment plants will also be hampered by the regulations.

According to engineer Gary Grey, recycling efforts made by the state's wastewater plants create biosolids which, according to the EPA's website, are "nutrient-rich organic materials resulting from the treatment of sewage sludge."

Guess which one of those nutrients would be?

The phosphorus created by these biosolids is also applied to crops as a form of fertilizer due to their rich phosphorus content.

However, Grey says they should be treated different than fertilizer, as the phosphorus in biosolids "behaves differently" and is "less water soluble."

Currently, the biosolid industry is regulated by the Maryland Department of the Environment and there was no true answer in Tuesday's hearing as to how to address the panel's concerns, which they claim will cost the industry millions of dollars.

2. Alternative technology is already here and waiting ...

For as much fervor as there is over the application of phosphorus on crops, where it comes from presents its own problem.

If humans want to continue to eat chicken, they'll inevitably have to deal with its byproduct like any other animal on this planet. But critics of the regulations say the cost of moving and disposing of the chicken litter outside of those farms may be too high, and no truly successful method to do so has yet been proposed.

Others, like Patrick Serfass of the American Biogas Council, contend there is a legitimate market on how to use the nutrient in a different way.

Serfass, who represents a group that claims it can turn phosphorus-rich waste into renewable gas, said companies are prepared to introduce the technology to the state of Maryland en masse.

He said there are currently "13 operational systems," and another "71 could be developed." Serfass added many in the industry have expressed a great interest in opening up shop in Maryland, but were apprehensive to do so.

They need the certainty the state is going to address the issue before they make the move, Serfass said. He wouldn't name the companies interested, for fear of their influence over the matter, but he assured the committee they exist.

"Right now," Serfass said, "there's a lot of uncertainty."

The cost of moving is a real concern, and there's another showdown still brewing.

3. A showdown over funding is still to come

While the implementation of the tool is understood to include some state and federal funding to offset the cost of transporting manure, there are many variables surrounding the disposal method.